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Resume

Work
Experience

Senior Proposal Coordinator  |  Texas State University  |  Office of Sponsored Programs

Mar 2017 - Present

In my role as a Senior Proposal Coordinator at Texas State, I play a crucial role in assisting faculty with grant proposal preparation, with a particular focus on budgeting and assembly. Additionally, I actively engage in training and mentoring other Research Administrators. My responsibilities include in-depth analysis of budgets, ensuring accuracy, and compliance with allowable costs, F&A exclusions, cost sharing, and wages. I provide expert advice and review submissions to ensure that all budgets and required documentation meet the necessary standards. Staying up-to-date with the latest submission guidelines, federal/state/local regulations, and advancements in electronic portals is an integral part of my dedication to delivering exceptional service.

Project Manager  |  Clean Rivers Program  |  Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Nov 2012 – Mar 2017

As part of my role, I managed contracts and Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) for water quality monitoring in collaboration with water governing bodies, particularly River Authorities, throughout the state. My responsibilities in Project Management included the review and development of QAPPs and contracts, as well as overseeing data submittals, annual reports, and financial status reports from CRP Partners (contractors) to ensure the successful achievement of Program objectives.

Additionally, I actively participated in field and data audits, engaging in field sampling with CRP Partners and other water quality programs at the TCEQ. My involvement extended to attending meetings aimed at coordinating sampling efforts and informing stakeholders in each basin. Maintaining the TCEQ CRP website, participating in agency and interagency work groups, and co-coordinating an annual workshop for water quality staff across the state were also integral components of my responsibilities.

Throughout my tenure, I demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the success of water quality initiatives, fostering effective partnerships and coordination to achieve our collective goals.

Data Manager  |  Data Management and Analysis  |  Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Feb 2010 – Nov 2012

As part of my role, I performed various essential duties to ensure accurate data management and analysis. These responsibilities encompassed compiling and organizing data for management review, meticulously verifying information, and identifying any discrepancies or inconsistencies within the Surface Water Quality Information System database using ArcGIS and MS Excel.

To facilitate efficient data management, I expertly created databases utilizing MS Access and MS Excel. Thorough validation of surface water quality data was a key aspect of my work, guaranteeing the integrity and reliability of the information. Additionally, I maintained effective communication with station operators responsible for data loggers and equipment, ensuring seamless data collection and entry.

In addition to my core tasks, I actively participated in special projects related to data management, contributing to the continuous improvement and effectiveness of our operations. My dedication to precision and attention to detail were instrumental in supporting the success of water quality initiatives.

Laboratory Manager  |  Department of Biology  |  Texas State University

Jan 2009 – Feb 2010

In this role, I performed a diverse range of duties to support comprehensive research and data analysis. These responsibilities encompassed fish and invertebrate sampling, skillfully managing data, and conducting analyses of nutrients in sediments, tissues, and water.

As part of my supervisory role, I provided guidance and training to undergraduate researchers, fostering a collaborative and productive research environment. Additionally, I took charge of general lab maintenance, ensuring a well-organized and efficient workspace.

My commitment to precision and excellence in all aspects of the research process contributed to the overall success of the projects undertaken.

Hydrologic Technician, Intern  |  United States Geological Survey 

Jun 2005 – Dec 2005

In this position, I successfully performed a wide array of critical duties, showcasing my expertise in various aspects of the fieldwork process. These responsibilities encompassed instrument calibration, including sonde and portable turbidimeter calibration, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection.

Furthermore, I executed well development tasks with precision and attention to detail. My proficiency extended to conducting algae, invertebrate, and fish sampling, with meticulous sorting and labeling of collected samples for further analysis.

As part of my commitment to efficient data management, I diligently entered field reports into databases, ensuring comprehensive and well-organized records. My dedication to maintaining high standards throughout these tasks significantly contributed to the overall success of the projects undertaken.

Education
& Certifications

Certified Research Administrator  |  RACC  |  Jun 2023

Master of Science  |  Texas State University  |  Dec 2009

Population and Conservation Biology

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Publication: A Smith, A Abuzeineh, M Chumchal, T Bonner, W Nowlin. (2010). Mercury contamination of the fish community of a semi-arid and arid river system: Spatial variation and the influence of environmental gradients. Environmental toxicology and chemistry / SETAC. 29. 1762-72. 10.1002/etc.224.

Certified in Environmental Science and Technology  |  Austin Community College  |  Dec 2005

Bachelor of Science  |  Texas State University  |  Jan 2000

  • Major: Zoology

  • Minor: Geography

Skills
& Expertise

  • Research Administration

    • Proficient in developing research proposals, understanding funding agency guidelines, formatting proposals, and preparing comprehensive budgets.

    • Interdisciplinary Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, fostering collaboration with researchers, faculty, and staff across diverse disciplines and departments.

    • Time Management: Strong time management and organizational abilities, meeting proposal submission deadlines and effectively handling multiple projects simultaneously.

    • Problem-Solving: Proactive problem-solving skills to identify and address potential issues or challenges during the proposal development process.

    • Funding Agency Policies: Familiarity with various funding agency policies, rules, and regulations, ensuring compliance with specific requirements in proposals.

    • Software Proficiency: Proficient in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and relevant software applications.

    • Continuous Learning: Enthusiastic about staying updated with changes in research funding policies, regulations, and best practices.

    • Teamwork: Collaborative mindset, working effectively with other research administrators, post-award administrators, and research support staff to achieve common goals.

    • Assist faculty and research administration staff in managing and coordinating proposal development and submission. This includes ensuring the faculty investigator understands submission requirements and deadlines, overseeing budget preparation and review to ensure compliance with the funding agency guidelines and institutional policies.

    • Fulfill core proposal coordination responsibilities but also took charge of developing and refining our institutional budget development spreadsheet, which I now continue to enhance and maintain this spreadsheet as an ongoing responsibility.

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  • Project Management

    • Review contractor budget and supporting documentation, such as the personnel eligibility list, equipment/inventory list, fringe rate methodology, indirect cost rate, etc. 

    • Coordinate project planning with contractors.

    • Track, review, and approve contract deliverables.  Refer to the Uniform Grant Management Standards (UGMS) when needed.

    • Develop, approve, implement, and maintain Quality Assurance Project Plan, Standard Operating Procedure, Program Guidance.

    • Assist Quality Assurance Officer (QAO) and Quality Assurance Specialist (QAS) in conducting audits of contractors.  In the event of any findings, track the corrective action implemented by the contractor.

    • Verify contractors follow quality assurance protocols and projects are producing a product of known quality.  Notify QAO and QAS of circumstances which may adversely affect the quality of the product.

    • Review and provide edits and comments to annual basin water quality reports.

    • Review FSRs and quarterly progress reports for correctness and completeness.

    • Project closeout when contracts and QAPPs are complete.  Retain all contract documents according to agency retention schedule.

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  • Software

    • Microsoft Office Suite

    • SAP

    • Adobe Acrobat

    • Databases

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  • Communication and leadership

    • As a Senior Proposal Coordinator, I provide training and education for faculty and departmental research coordinators to facilitate their ability to submit research grant proposals to external sponsors.  This training is conducted in a small seminar setting as well as one-on-one. I am also responsible for leading training sessions for our institutional proposal tracking software, Kuali Research Proposal Development.

    • As the Clean Rivers Program representative for the Surface Water Quality Monitoring Workshop, I assisted in planning the workshop agenda, securing experts to give presentations, and host after-hours social gatherings to facilitate new and strengthen existing professional relationships amongst water quality professionals.

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